Introduction to Shakespeare

Spring Semester 2010

 

Course Description:

This 15 week long course will take place in the spring semester and will introduce the students to the style, language and literary techniques of William Shakespeare. Two plays, one comedy and one tragedy, plus some poetry will be covered. The goal will be to get the students comfortable with reading Old English language and conversant with Shakespearean literary devices. The students will purchase and read two plays in the "No Fear Shakespeare" series. We will watch portions of video versions of the play in class as we go through the two plays.

 

Workload:

The students will be reading the two plays plus they will be reading some sonnets and analyzing them. The reading load will not be heavy. The students will be required to write answers to questions and write short essays. An occasional longer writing assignment will be required. A field trip to see a Shakespeare play near the end of the semester will be a possibility (this may require an additional cost).

 

Desired Outcome:

The students will be able to discuss Shakespeare with ease. They will look forward to reading more Shakespeare in the future.

updated 2/21/2008